In the verdant landscapes of Iloilo Province, West Central Philippines, a groundbreaking initiative is unfolding, one that promises to reshape our understanding of natural heritage and its potential commercial impacts, particularly in the energy sector. Led by J. T. P. Mendoza of the Iloilo Science and Technology University, the Cultural Mapping of Panay and Guimaras (CMPG) project is meticulously cataloging and mapping the region’s natural assets, offering a treasure trove of data that could drive sustainable development and energy innovations.
The project, which focuses on the first and second congressional districts of Iloilo, has already identified 216 natural heritage sites, categorized under flora, fauna, land formations, and water bodies. These maps are not just about preserving the past; they are about harnessing the present for a sustainable future. “Cultural mapping is a tool to gather information, conserve and protect existing natural or environmental assets, and promote its significance in various facets of human endeavors,” Mendoza explains.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. For instance, the detailed mapping of flora and fauna can aid in the development of bioenergy projects, ensuring that they are sustainable and do not harm local ecosystems. The identification of water bodies, including rivers, creeks, and waterfalls, can guide the development of hydroelectric power projects, while the mapping of land formations can inform wind energy initiatives.
Moreover, the project’s participatory research design, which involves local communities through interviews, focus group discussions, and archival searches, ensures that the data collected is not only accurate but also culturally sensitive. This approach can help build local support for energy projects, a critical factor for their success.
However, the path is not without challenges. Mendoza highlights the lack of Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) on the participation of Local Government Units (LGUs) and the difficulty in obtaining permits to conduct research from the office that oversees the Indigenous Peoples (IPs). Yet, these challenges also present opportunities. The presence of cultural experts and researchers in the region, along with the proliferation of cultural mapping projects to other regions, bodes well for the future.
As the project progresses, it is clear that the cultural maps of the different regions will not just be a shared heritage but also a source of national pride and a catalyst for sustainable development. The adoption and implementation of the Cultural Mapping Law can truly be achieved when these maps are considered as shared heritage, drawing out our identity as a people and becoming the source of our national pride as Filipinos.
Published in the ‘ISPRS Annals of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences’—which translates to the Annals of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing, and Spatial Information Sciences—the research is a beacon of hope for those seeking to balance economic development with cultural preservation. As we look to the future, the CMPG project serves as a reminder that our natural heritage is not just a relic of the past but a resource for the future, one that can power our homes, fuel our industries, and define our identity.